Cha-ching! (5-31)

Buchanan's Native Plants in Houston, Texas, has turned a tidy profit even during the recession. One reason is the innovative thinking that goes into marketing.

For instance, Buchanan's is targeting two largely untapped markets this spring: Grads and Dads. Almost all garden centers push the most notable parent celebration, Mother's Day. In fact, for many, it's a maker or breaker weekend. But by extending the "lovin'" to Pops, as well, Buchanan's Native Plants gives its most prominent shopper, the female, a plethora of options in the garden centers Bungalow gift shop that have "Dad" written all over them.

Add the push to reward recent graduates -- they are everywhere this time of year, and Buchanan's carries all manner of interesting and practical gifts that they will appreciate -- and you can see why this South Texas retailer has become one of the premier garden centers in the region.

You can also, if you listen closely enough, hear the "Cha-ching!" that goes with the distinction.

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